
by Zane Cherniak
TikTok, the wildly popular app known for its bite-sized entertainment and cultural influence, finds itself at the heart of a heated debate over privacy and national security. While the United States initially announced a ban on TikTok operations, the ban was later postponed for 75 days by President Donald Trump, leaving questions about Canada’s stance on the issue and how its users will respond.
TikTok in Canada: A ‘Personal Choice’
The Government of Canada has yet to take definitive legal action against TikTok but has voiced concerns over its potential risks. A December 6 briefing note from the Department of Industry labeled TikTok use as a “personal choice,” advising Canadians to “understand the risks and make informed decisions” about using the app. However, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne previously claimed that TikTok was instructed to phase out Canadian operations after a national security review under the Investment Canada Act. To date, no legal documents outlining such an order have been released.
The Treasury Board already banned TikTok from all government-issued devices as of January 28, citing “an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security.” Adam Fisher, director general of Canadian Security Intelligence Service assessments, echoed this sentiment, telling the Commons Special Committee on Canada-China Relations that TikTok’s data collection capabilities posed unique risks. “It can assist the adversary in honing their own targeting in terms of foreign influence activity,” he testified.
The Political Divide
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has gone further, urging all Conservative MPs, senators, and staff to boycott TikTok entirely. “Stop using it, because it risks infiltration and espionage and manipulation by the hostile regime in Beijing,” said Poilievre. When asked whether a future Conservative government would pursue a national ban similar to the U.S., Poilievre declined to commit but acknowledged the seriousness of the issue.
For now, the Canadian government’s approach contrasts with the aggressive measures taken by the U.S., raising the question: Will Canada follow suit, or will it leave TikTok’s future in the hands of individual users?
How Are TikTok Creators Reacting?
As national security concerns grow, so does uncertainty among TikTok creators, many of whom rely on the platform to build audiences, market their businesses, or simply express themselves creatively. Some users are exploring alternatives like Red Note, a growing social media platform promising similar functionality with an emphasis on privacy and transparency.
One TikTok creator, who recently transitioned to Red Note, shared their perspective on Reddit: “I didn’t want to wait until I was forced off TikTok. Red Note is smaller, but it’s building a solid community. Plus, I feel safer knowing my data isn’t being tracked in the same way.”
Still, not all creators are eager to jump ship. Many believe the risk is overstated or see little alternative to TikTok’s vast reach and influence. A Toronto-based TikToker commented, “For now, it’s business as usual. Until something concrete happens in Canada, I’m staying where my audience is.”
What’s Next for Canada?
While TikTok’s immediate future in Canada remains uncertain, the debate underscores a larger issue about privacy, data security, and the role of government in regulating technology. Although the U.S. ban was ultimately lifted, the debate highlights potential future precedents, and Canadians may soon face a reckoning of their own.
For now, as the Department of Industry emphasizes, the decision to use TikTok remains a “personal choice”—but one that comes with growing scrutiny and risk.
Be the first to comment